Hi Sue,

Thank you very much for your reply. It might be easier if I go back from the 1901 Census. The Corkhills were living at 22 Bankhouse, Whitehaven. Head of the household was Thomas who is described as being 59 years old and born--Isle of Man. He is a Coal Hewer and would have been born around 1842. His son Joseph, aged 17, was my grandfather, without doubt. He was also a Coal Hewer, maintaining the family mining tradition.

The 1851 Census shows Robert as family head with Catharine as his wife. Robert is described as an iron ore miner. Thomas is shown as born in 1842 which would, of course, make him 59 in 1901. We know the dates are never exact so this would, I suppose, be a near enough estimate for the age of Thomas. Could it be possible that Thomas was born in 1840 but baptised in1842?

Although it is not definite, I feel that it is highly likely that this is the branch of my family that holds my direct ancestry.

Three of the above names, Robert, Thomas and Joseph are still in evidence in my family today.

I realise that there are a lot of extra complications the further back you go, but I would love to find out any more information about Robert Corkhill, especially his ancestors.

Thanks again,

Tony Corkhill